Remembering an Icon: Alvin "Al" Attles Passes Away at 87
The basketball world mourns the loss of an iconic figure as Alvin "Al" Attles passed away on Tuesday at the age of 87. Attles, a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors' legacy, left an indelible mark on the team and the sport through his long and varied tenure as a player, coach, and general manager.
Attles' journey with the Warriors began when he was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Warriors. Standing 6-foot-0, he played as a guard for the team over 11 seasons, appearing in 711 games. Throughout his career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Among his memorable moments on the court, Attles scored 11 points in the historic game when Wilt Chamberlain set an NBA record by scoring 100 points against the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.
In 1970, Attles broke new ground by becoming one of the NBA's first Black head coaches. Under his leadership, the Warriors secured the 1975 NBA championship, sweeping the Washington Bullets in four games. His coaching success solidified his place not only in the organization's history but also in the annals of the NBA.
Beyond his time as a player and coach, Attles contributed to the Warriors' front office, serving as general manager for three seasons. His influence within the organization continued to grow as he took on roles such as vice president and consultant, ensuring his presence was felt across multiple aspects of the franchise.
The Warriors recognized Attles' invaluable contributions by retiring his No. 16 jersey, a tribute to his lasting impact on the team. In 2014, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame honored him with the John R. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, and he was later enshrined into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2019.
Reflecting on Attles' legacy, the Warriors released a heartfelt statement: "Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian. We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr also paid tribute to Attles, highlighting his enduring influence on the organization: "Most of the great organizations with a lot of history have one player who everybody associates with that franchise. Al Attles is that guy for us. He's the face of our franchise for many generations of Warriors fans. We're lucky to have him."
The legacy of Alvin "Al" Attles extends far beyond the statistics and accolades. He was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a cherished figure in the community. His dedication to the Warriors and the sport of basketball set a standard of excellence and commitment that will inspire future generations.
As the basketball community reflects on the life and career of Al Attles, it is evident that his contributions have left an enduring imprint. His journey from a determined fifth-round draft pick to a Hall of Fame legend serves as a powerful testament to his talent, perseverance, and unyielding love for the game.